Olympics 2012: Gold, Silver and Bronze Are the New Black

ESSENCE salutes the African-American athletes who triumphed at the London Games.

Medals are the New Black

1/35

For the first time in 16 years, the U.S. women’s 4×100 relay team walked away with a gold medal. Sprinters Carmelita Jeter, Bianca Knight, Allyson Felix and Tianna Madison also set a new world record, completing the race in just 40.82 seconds.

Medals are the New Black

2/35

Gabby Douglas made history by becoming the first African-American woman to win the gold medal in the Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Individual All-Around final. She also took home gold in the Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Team final.

Medals are the New Black

3/35

This tennis duo prove two forces are better than one. The Williams sisters reclaimed their title from the 2008 Beijing Olympics with another gold medal in the women’s doubles this year. Just a day earlier, Serena grabbed the gold in women’s singles, beating Russia’s Maria Sharapova 6-0, 6-1.

Medals are the New Black

4/35

Boxer Claressa Shields, 17, made history by becoming the first American woman to ever win a middleweight title. Hailing from Flint, Michigan, Shields’ story is inspiring in and out of the boxing ring.

Medals are the New Black

5/35

The U.S. Women’s basketball team — which includes Candace Parker, Tamika Catchings and Maya Moore — took home three consecutive gold medals.

Medals are the New Black

6/35

Track and field golden girl Allyson Felix won three gold medals, making her the first U.S. woman to do so since Florence Griffith-Joyner in 1988.

Medals are the New Black

7/35

Besides her team wins, track and field star Sanya Richards-Ross won the gold medal in the Women’s 400m final.

Medals are the New Black

8/35

Mississipi native Britnney Reese won a gold medal Women’s Long Jump Final

Medals are the New Black

9/35

The U.S. men’s basketball team — which includes Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Chris Paul, Jevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, James Harden, and more — took home gold.